The Knesset on Monday in a 48-5 first reading vote accepted the recommendation of the Interior Ministry to extend daylight savings time. The bill is now in the hands of the Knesset Interior Committee where it is being prepared for its second and third readings. It is expected to pass into law.

MKs Moshe Gafne and Uri Maklev objected to the bill, pointing out it makes life considerably more difficult for frum people regarding tefillas shachris since sunrise will be very late, close to 7:00am. They also fear there will be chilul Shabbos regarding events that have been planned well in advance, based on the old schedule for daylight savings time. They do not believe the time of those events will be amended to accommodate the new extended DST until the end of October.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)